Day 1 of Trump’s criminal trial began with the search for ‘fair and impartial’ jurors, many of whom revealed biases and were excused from serving. The jury selection process was slow due to arguments over evidence, such as the ‘Access Hollywood’ tape and allegations of an affair, that prosecutors want to use in the case. Trump, seated with his attorneys, called the trial an ‘assault’ on the nation. Israel weighs its response to Iran’s drone and missile attack, with world leaders urging restraint. After Israel’s unprecedented attack on Iran, some foreign policy hawks concern a furious response could escalate conflict and plunge the region into war, as both countries have previously engaged in covert operations. The longstanding conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated due to public and direct attacks.
The University of Southern California faced backlash for canceling a pro-Palestinian valedictorian’s commencement speech citing security concerns over the conflict in the Middle East. Protests against the war in Gaza blocked the Golden Gate Bridge, as verified pro-Nazi accounts on XElon Musk’s platform proliferate, sharing Nazi propaganda and content in violation of platform rules. WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark joins the Indiana Fever after a historic college career. The draft also saw Stanford’s Cameron Brink selected by the Los Angeles Sparks and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso taken by the Chicago Sky.
A top psychology group warns of social media’s damaging effects on youth mental health, pointing out features like endless scrolling and push notifications as particularly risky. Despite the concerns raised, tech companies have made few significant changes to protect children’s mental health. An 81-year-old man in Ohio fatally shot an Uber driver he believed was involved in a scam targeting him. The victim was unaware of the scam and was sent to the man’s home as part of the deception.
In politics, the Supreme Court will consider charges against those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, with potential implications for Donald Trump’s election interference prosecution. Michigan voters head to the polls for state House special elections, and Arizona legislators are exploring options after a near-total abortion ban was upheld. Justice Clarence Thomas’ absence from the Supreme Court’s oral arguments raises questions, while President Joe Biden and his wife released their tax returns showing earnings of nearly $620,000 in 2023. Immokalee, Florida teens participating in the Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps program are giving back and pursuing higher education, providing inspiration in a low-income immigrant community. Microcurrent devices for skincare offer the appearance of lifted, firm, and smooth skin.
